Every year hundreds of people suffer work-related back injuries in Houston and sometimes specifically a back injury at work. Back injuries can happen in almost every industry, and according to the Occupation Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), back injuries are the most common type of workplace injury. If you have suffered a back injury on the job, you should reach out to an experienced Houston work injury attorney.
What are the Symptoms of a Work-Related Back Injury?
Back injuries have wide-ranging symptoms. Some symptoms are immediate and severe, while others are gradual and set in overtime. A few of the most common symptoms of work-related back injuries are:
• Neck or back pain,
• Loss of movement or weakness in extremities,
• Tingling or numbness,
• Muscle spasms,
• Stiffness,
• Discomfort when walking or standing, and
• Headaches.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should seek medical treatment.
What are the Most Common Work-Related Back Injuries in Houston?
Below are five of the most common back injuries Houston workers suffer on the job.
- Lower back strains and sprains. Lower back strains and sprains occur when the muscles and tissues in the lower back are abnormally stretched or torn. It is commonly caused by moving, twisting, and bending. Lower back strains or sprains can result from a sudden injury or gradual use.
- Bulging, herniated, and slipped discs. Your spine is composed of twenty-four bones called vertebrae. Between the vertebrae are discs. A herniated, bulging, or slipped disc happens when some of the nucleus (center) of the disc pushes through the exterior. It is commonly caused by lifting heavy objects or twisting and lifting at the same time.
- Pinched nerves. A pinched nerve occurs when too much pressure is applied to the nerve by the surrounding tissues. Pinched nerves can be caused by sudden trauma or overuse. The treatment for pinched nerves ranges from rest to surgery.
- Fractured vertebrae. Fractured vertebrae, also called compression fractures, refer to cracks or gaps in the spine. Even minor falls and trauma can result in spinal fractures. Treatment can include rest, medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Degenerative disc disease. Degenerative disc disease happens when a person’s spinal discs begin to break down through everyday wear and tear. This condition causes pain, numbness, and tingling when sitting, bending, lifting, and twisting. Sometimes a person’s work can cause their degenerative disc disease to worsen.
Can I Sue My Employer if I Suffered a Back Injury at Work in Houston?
If you suffered a back injury at work in Houston, you can only sue your employer in limited situations. Generally, employees covered by workers’ compensation cannot sue their employers for damages relating to work injuries. Instead of filing a lawsuit, they are limited to filing a workers’ compensation claim. This situation applies to most Houston employees.
However, Texas does not require private employers to have workers’ compensation insurance. If you do not have workers’ compensation, you can sue your Houston employer for negligence-based damages if they were at fault.
Additionally, you may be able to file a third-party lawsuit under limited circumstances, even if you are covered under workers’ compensation. Third-party claims may be filed when persons or companies other than the employer (or co-workers) who carried workers’ compensation caused an accident and injury.
What Compensation Should You Expect If You Suffered a Back Injury at Work?
The compensation that you can expect to receive after suffering a back injury at work in Houston will vary depending on various factors, including the severity of the injury, the circumstances surrounding the injury, and whether the employer carries workers’ compensation insurance. If you are covered under workers’ compensation, you may be entitled to medical benefits and income benefits (including temporary income benefits, impairment income benefits, supplemental income benefits, and lifetime income benefits).
If you have a third-party claim or sue your employer for negligence, you may be entitled to:
• Past and future medical expenses,
• Lost wages,
• Physical pain and suffering,
• Emotional distress and mental anguish,
• Scarring and disfigurement,
• Disability, and
• Reduced earning capacity.
Your Houston Work Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one suffered a back injury at work, call the Paxton Law Firm. Let us review your case and advise you of your rights. The Paxton Law Firm believes in taking the stress of dealing with your case and turning a negative situation into the best possible outcome lady justice allows. We offer free consultations, and you do not pay any legal fees until we recover for you.
